Published: Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, September 6, 2013 at 2:14 p.m.

The Housing Assistance Corp. and Mainstay Inc. are joining forces to put on the second Mountain Medley Triathlon Saturday, Sept. 14. But it won't be the same race.

A paddlesports option has been added this year, allowing competitors to bring their kayak, canoe or paddle boat and compete against other paddlers instead of swimmers during the swim portion of the race.

“Swimming is a bigger leap for people,” race coordinator Ellen Seagle said. “(Paddling) is allowing more people to participate.”

Athletes can choose from two race distances: a sprint triathlon with a 400-meter lake swim or paddle, 5k mountain bike and 5k run, or an Olympic triathlon with an 800-meter swim or paddle, 10k mountain bike and 10k run. The event will take place at Camp Green Cove in Zirconia.

Last year, more than 80 athletes competed as individuals or relay team members. This year that number figures to grow exponentially, Seagle said.

The event has become the biggest fundraiser for HAC and one of the biggest for Mainstay. HAC helps provide affordable housing for some of the neediest people in Henderson County. Mainstay is a shelter for victims of domestic violence. The Mountain medley helps the two nonprofits with their yearly budget, so participation is huge.

One person who participated last year was HAC Executive Director Noelle McKay, who proved that you don't have to be an experienced runner to take on the task. McKay did the novice course last year, but won't be able to participate this year. She broke her ankle early in the summer and it isn't completely healed.

“It was challenging, but fun,” she said of last year's race.

Crossing the finish line was something she won't forget. “Just finishing feels like an amazing accomplishment,” she said.

The environment is very supportive, McKay added, and it doesn't feel like a race.

Support is something that HAC and Mainstay have come to give one another frequently, Mainstay Executive Director Tanya Blackford said. Mainstay has organized a running event for the last decade. When the idea came about to make it a triathlon, the project was too big, she said. That's where the partnership between the two nonprofits blossomed.

“We work well together,” Blackford said. “It was sort of a natural connection.”

For more information about the race or to register, visit www.mtnmedley.com. For more information on the two nonprofits, visit www.mainstayhelp.org and www.housing-assistance.com.

Reach Millwood at 828-694-7881 or at joey.millwood@blueridgenow.com.

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